Flipper shower caddy

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a shower caddy including a frame that supports at least one shelf assembly and a top attaching means. In a preferred embodiment, the invention also includes a rail assembly to aid in preventing containers from falling from the shelf assemblies and a suction cup placed at the bottom end of the frame to secure the bottom end to a shower wall or other similar support.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of bathroom accessories. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to bath and showeraccessories, particularly the area of caddies for showers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the innumerable shower products such as soaps, shampoos, andconditioners found on the market today, a large proportion of homeshower units are often lined with several bottles and jars eachcontaining one of several variations of the above products. Thisplethora of containers can lead to clutter and possibly cause a safetyhazard if they fall onto the shower floor due to a lack of shelf space.

Although many devices designed to hold and store shower accessories andproducts are found in the prior art, they usually fail to overcome oneor more of the problems created by the presence of numerous showerproducts and accessories. One problem is that although many of the priorart devices provide storage space for containers, the storage spaces,such as shelves, lack adequate guards so that the containers are easilyknocked off the shelves to either break or cause a tripping hazard inthe wet shower. Another problem is that these devices often lackstability in that they are easily moved or struck accidentally, knockingthem ajar and spilling the containers. A third problem is that theshelves often take up an uncomfortable amount of space, especially in asmaller shower. The bather must take special care to not consistentlyhit them when maneuvering in the shower. Finally, the shower caddiesfound in the prior art often contain a number of parts with severalcorners, notches, slots, etc. that provide for the simple build up anddifficult removal of soap residue.

The shower caddy disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,131 and Des. 286,599to Sussman are typical of the caddies found in the prior art. Althoughthe caddy includes an upper clamp for hanging onto a shower nozzle, thedisclosed caddy has no device to prevent the lower end from swinging onthe supporting nozzle. In addition, the shelves of the '131 devicerotate and are suspended from slots that allow for containers to spilland for soap residue to build up. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 407,249 toHampshire discloses a shower caddy with a curved notch for suspensionfrom a shower nozzle and also discloses a pair of suction cups toprevent the lower end from swinging on the nozzle. However, the twoshelves on the caddy have a low rail or bar with insufficient height toprevent containers from toppling from the shelf.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 415,916 to Hofman, et al. discloses a shower caddywith two shelves one of which has a protective rail to keep productcontainers from falling. Similar to the '131 patent, the '916 patentprovides a notch for hanging from a shower nozzle, but it lacks anycomponent for maintaining the stability of the lower end of the device.Similar to the '916 patent, U.S. Pat. No. D493,991 to Dretzka is ashower caddy shaped to suspend from a nozzle but it also lacks any lowerend stabilizer. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 417,990 to Yemini is adesign patent disclosing a multishelf shower caddy that does not providefor any spill protection from its shelves and also appears to lack alower end stabilizer.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0121871 to Zadro disclosesa height adjustable shower caddy designed to mount on differentstructures. Although it provides for lower end stability, the '871application discloses only a shelf with no rail and two wire basket typeholders for bottles. The holders are shaped from wire-like material andhave large spaces through which the bottles can easily slip. Finally,Japanese publication 2005-42306 discloses a device with foldable shelvesthat are supported within a frame. However, the device appears to lackany lower end stabilizing device and also any mechanism to easily andquickly hang or suspend the device in a shower. Moreover, the device inthe '306 disclosure has a slotted shelf support mechanism which allowsfor the build up of soap residue.

Therefore, there exists in the field a need for a shower caddy typedevice that provides for easy installation, stability of the lower (nonsuspended) end, protection from the spilling of containers, and a simpledesign that resists soap residue build up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises shower caddy including a framehaving opposite first and second ends, at least one shelf assembly thatspans or traverses the frame such that the shelf assembly includes ashelf support fixedly attached to the frame and a shelf member rotatablyattached to the shelf support, and a first support means positionedwithin said frame at said first end and fixedly attached to said frame.In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of shelf assemblies are attachedto an oblong frame and fold or rotate into the space bound by the frame.In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention also includes arail assembly and a second support means in the form of a suction cuppositioned opposite the first support means.

The present invention also broadly comprises a shower caddy including aframe, a plurality of shelf assemblies in which each shelf assemblyincludes a shelf support spanning the frame and a rotatably attachedshelf member, a rail assembly that spans the frame with a rotating railmember, a grip insert at one end of the frame that is sized to grip ashower nozzle or similar object, and a suction cup attached to a secondend of the frame.

A general object of the invention is to provide a shower caddy withfoldable shelves to provide for easy storage and, if needed, extra roomin a shower.

A second object of the invention is to provide a shower caddy that iseasily installed.

A third object of the invention is to provide a shower caddy with anelement that prevents movement of the shower caddy's nonsuspended end.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a secure lockingmechanism for holding the foldable shelves in an open or extendedposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will nowbe more fully described in the following detailed description of theinvention taken with the accompanying drawing Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing itsuse in a typical shower environment;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the present invention showing the shelfassemblies and rail of the present invention folded or rotated into thespace bound by the frame;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention showing the shelfassemblies and rail folded or rotated into the space bound by the frame;

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the present invention with the shelves andrail folded into the frame;

FIG. 5 a is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken alongline 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 b is a cross sectional view showing the shelves and rail of thepresent invention as rotating toward the extended position seen in FIG.1;

FIGS. 6 a-c are a magnified views of circled area 6 of FIG. 5 bportraying the tab and slot locking action of the shelf assembly of thepresent invention; and,

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2demonstrating a preferred embodiment of the shelf member of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical structural elements of theinvention. It also should be appreciated that figure proportions andangles are not always to scale in order to clearly portray theattributes of the present invention.

While the present invention is described with respect to what ispresently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understoodthat the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Thepresent invention is intended to cover various modifications andequivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

Adverting to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of showercaddy 10 of the present invention showing its use in a typical showerenvironment. Frame 11 supports the components of shower caddy 10. Frame11 includes a first end which bear s first support means 20. In thepreferred embodiment shown, first support means 20 is an insert (insert20) that includes grip 21 which is shaped to frictionally grip nozzlepipe P. In a more preferred embodiment, grip 21 includes grip surface 21a and is fabricated from a plastic or other material in an overmoldingprocess which gives the material a “sticky” property to enhance thefriction grip on nozzle pipe P. Suitable materials include, but are notlimited to, silicone, TPR, and PVC. In the embodiment shown, frame 11possesses an oblong shape, however, persons of ordinary skill in the artwill note that any desired shape, including but not limited to, circularrectangular, square, or an irregular shapes can be suitable.

Shower caddy 10 includes one or more shelf assemblies 12. Shelfassemblies 12 each include shelf member 13 and shelf support 14. As willbe explained below, shelf member 13 folds or rotates from the extendedor open position shown in FIG. 1 to a folded or closed position. In apreferred embodiment, shelf member 13 includes slot 16 which acts todrain shelf member 13 and is part of a tab and slot locking mechanismused to hold shelf member 13 in the extended position.

Rail support 18 is shown attached to frame 11 and supports rail 19. Rail19 is rotatably attached to rail support 18 and rotates from theextended position shown in FIG. 1 to a folded position within the spacebound by frame 11 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In the extended position,rail 19 helps prevent items such as container C from toppling from orbeing pushed off shelf member 13.

Accessory holder 23 is shown opposite insert 20 and is formed to holdaccessories such as razor 30 or a toothbrush or other similar items. Inthe preferred embodiment shown, accessory holder 23 includes slots 23 ato provide a convenient receiver for accessories.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the present invention showing both shelfassemblies 12 and rail 19 folded or rotated into the space bound byframe 11 (closed position). Plainly visible are slots 16 in shelf member13 and tab 17 in shelf support 14. Also seen is hinge 15 which connectsshelf member 13 with shelf support 14 and allows shelf member 13 torotate relative to shelf support 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,hinge 15 is shown as a flexible continuous connection between shelfmember 13 and shelf support 14 that is made from the same material asone or both of shelf member 13 and shelf support 14. In alternateembodiments, hinge 15 may be made from different material, comprise morethan one separate hinge device, and be attached to shelf member 13 andshelf support 14 using suitable fasteners such as screws, rivets,adhesives or the like. Persons of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that other rotational attachments such as pins or a pluralityof hinges may be used to join shelf member 13 to shelf support 14.

Shown in shadow is suction cup 24 which is attached to the rear side offrame 11 and is used to secure the lower end of frame 11 to a showerwall or other suitable support. In alternate embodiments, suction cup 24may be replaced by an adhesive pad or similar device that allows thebottom end of frame 11 to be secured to a support such as a shower wall.FIG. 3 is a side view of shower caddy 10 showing shelf assemblies 12 andrail 19 folded into the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of shower caddy 10 showing shelf members 13and rail 19 in the closed position. Plainly visible is second supportmeans 24 attached to the lower end of frame 11. In the preferredembodiment shown, second support means 24 is a suction cup that can bepressed against a shower wall to hold the bottom end of frame 11 toprevent shower caddy 10 from swinging or rotating around shower nozzlepipe P. Screws 25 are used to attach insert 20, shelf supports 14, railsupport 18 and accessory holder 23 to frame 11. Persons of skill in theart will recognize that other suitable fasteners can be used such asrivets, adhesives, nut and bolt assemblies, and similar fasteners, toattach the components to frame 11. Screws or other removable fastenersare preferred so as to allow easier cleaning of separate components ofshower caddy 10. Also seen are pins 19 a attached to rail 19 andextending through holes defined by rail support 18 to join rail 19 torail support 18 and allow rotation of rail 19.

FIG. 5 a is a cross sectional view of shower caddy 10 in the closedposition taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2. Tab 17 is seen extending fromthe surface 14 a of shelf support 14. Slot 16 is defined by shelf member13. FIG. 5 b shows shelves 13 and rail 19 as rotating toward theextended position seen in FIG. 1. Rail 19 rotates toward surface 18 a ofrail support 18.

FIG. 6 a is a magnified cross section view of circled area 6 of FIG. 5b. In this magnified view, slot 16 is more clearly seen approaching tab17 as shelf member 13 approaches surface 14 a. FIG. 6 b shows the backsurface of shelf member 13 contacting tab 17 and forcing it toward thespace bounded by frame 11 as shelf member 13 rotates toward surface 14a. FIG. 6 c shows tab 17 slipping into slot 16 as shelf member 13 nearssurface 14 a. After tab 17 is positioned within slot 16, shelf member 13is locked into the open position of resting on surface 14 a. A user mayrelease shelf member 13 by lifting and rotating shelf member 13 towardthe folded position seen in FIG. 5 a. As mentioned above, slot 16 alsoacts a drain for shelf members 13.

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 2 andshows a preferred embodiment of shelf member 13. Curved surface 13 a andlip 13 b of shelf member 13 are seen contacting frame 11. In thepreferred embodiment shown, shelf member 13 is slightly wider than frame11 at the points where it contacts frame 11. In the preferredembodiment, shelf member 13 is made from a material flexible enough toflex slightly and then fit snugly around frame 11 to hold it securelyagainst frame 11 in the closed position. Suitable materials include, butare not limited to, polypropylene.

Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficientlyobtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should bereadily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, whichchanges would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention asclaimed.

1. A shower caddy comprising: a frame having opposite first and secondends; at least one shelf assembly spanning said frame, wherein said atleast one shelf assembly includes a shelf support fixedly attached tosaid frame and a shelf member rotatably attached to said shelf support;and, a first support means positioned within said frame at said firstend and fixedly attached to said frame.
 2. The shower caddy as recitedin claim 1 wherein said at least one shelf assembly is a plurality ofsaid shelf assemblies.
 3. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid first support means is a grip sized to frictionally attach to ashower nozzle.
 4. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein atleast one of said at least one shelf assembly further comprises a taband slot mechanism for locking said shelf member in an open position. 5.The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 further comprising a railassembly spanning said frame, wherein said rail assembly includes a railsupport fixedly attached to said frame and a rail member rotatablyattached to said rail support.
 6. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1further comprising a second support means positioned at said second endof said frame.
 7. The shower caddy as recited in claim 6 wherein saidsecond support means is a suction cup.
 8. The shower caddy as recited inclaim 1 further comprising an accessory holder.
 9. The shower caddy asrecited in claim 8 wherein said accessory holder includes at least oneslot.
 10. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said frame isoblong.
 11. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said shelfmember of said at least one shelf assembly rotates between the spacewithin said frame and a position substantially perpendicular with saidframe.
 12. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1 wherein said rotatableattachment is a hinge.
 13. The shower caddy as recited in claim 12wherein said hinge is a continuous hinge.
 14. The shower caddy asrecited in claim 13 wherein said continuous hinge extends the length ofsaid shelf support member.
 15. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1wherein said rotatable attachment comprises a pair of pins attached tosaid shelf member.
 16. The shower caddy as recited in claim 5 whereinsaid rail assembly rotatable attachment comprises a pair of pinsattached to said rail.
 17. The shower caddy as recited in claim 1wherein said shelf member is slightly wider than said frame and includesa frame contact surface that allows a snug fit with said frame.
 18. Ashower caddy comprising: a frame having opposite first and second ends;a plurality of shelf assemblies spanning said frame, wherein each ofsaid plurality of shelf assemblies includes a shelf support fixedlyattached to said frame and a shelf member rotatably attached to saidshelf support; a rail assembly spanning said frame, wherein said railassembly includes a rail support fixedly attached to said frame and arail member rotatably attached to said rail support; a grip insert meanspositioned within said frame at said first end and fixedly attached tosaid frame, wherein said grip insert is sized to frictionally attach toa shower nozzle; and, a suction cup attached to said second end of saidframe.
 19. The shower caddy as recited in claim 18 wherein said frame isoblong.
 20. The shower caddy as recited in claim 18 further comprisingan accessory holder.
 21. The shower caddy as recited in claim 20 whereinsaid accessory holder includes at least one slot.
 22. The shower caddyas recited in claim 18 wherein at lest one shelf member is slightlywider than said frame and includes a frame contact surface that allows asnug fit with said frame.